Four red meat substitution scenarios were used to evaluate the health benefits of forage fish as a red meat alternative
| Substitution scenario | Identification | Description |
| I | Domestic supply prioritised | Forage fish were caught for national consumption or red meat substitution. |
| II | Minimised meat intake | Substitution was prioritised in countries with ruminant meat consumption above the recommended level of 15 kcal,31 as ruminants have a greater environmental impact than non-ruminants,73 allowing for a win-win situation for human and environmental health. |
| III | Adequate fish intake | Priority was given to countries with fish consumption below the recommended level of 40 kcal31 for substitution. |
| IV | Equal percentage replaced | All countries had the same percentage of red meat that was replaced and the percentage of replacement was determined by the availability of forage fish. |